Archive for the ‘Social Work’ Category

The 11th annual Fashion Gives Back fundraiser took place at the Bass Museum of Art, bringing style, heart, and impact to the runway, raising an unprecedented $107,025 for Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, thanks to the efforts of the Nicklaus Children’s Young Ambassadors (NCYA)—a powerhouse group of young professionals championing pediatric healthcare.

Guests enjoyed a glamorous evening of luxury bites, sips and shopping, where top brands showcased fashion to support Nicklaus Children’s Forward for Generations campaign, a transformative effort to advance children’s healthcare for years to come.

The evening’s highlight came courtesy of Juniper, aka “June-bug,” a brave 4-year-old who proved she’s tougher than a cancerous brain tumor. With her parents by her side, Juniper shared her incredible journey. “Nicklaus Children’s Hospital is legit, and we are living proof of that,” her father said, expressing gratitude for the life-saving care she received.

Juniper’s story is a testament to Nicklaus Children’s unparalleled dedication. After being diagnosed with Medulloblastoma—a brain tumor—Juniper underwent emergency surgery and a tailored treatment plan created by the hospital’s expert teams. In October, she rang the celebration bell, marking the end of her chemotherapy journey.

“Juniper’s experience exemplifies the commitment of everyone at Nicklaus Children’s,” said Allison W. Baker, President of Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Foundation. “Events like Fashion Gives Back allow us to continue delivering the care children deserve, ensuring their health for generations to come.”

The evening was made possible by generous support from sponsors, including Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Hollywood as the title sponsor, alongside Coconut Cartel, Moët & Chandon, and many others.

Since its inception, Fashion Gives Back has raised over 1 million dollars: funding vital programs such as child life services, dental health, physical therapy, and even summer camps for patients. Post-event, NCYA leaders channel their inner sharks during a Shark Tank-inspired session to allocate the funds to areas with the greatest impact.

To join the movement or learn more about NCYA visit: www.nicklauschildrens.org/NCYA. For details on the Forward for Generations campaign, head to www.nicklauschildrens.org/campaign.

Hope Takes Center Stage at the ACS Gala

Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On November - 20 - 2024

The 2024 American Cancer Society Evening of Hope Miami Gala took place on Saturday, November 16 at the J.W. Marriott Marquis. Miami’s most compassionate and glamorous gathered in a shared mission: to end cancer for everyone, everywhere.

Event Chair Karen Ford, Vice Chair Nikki F. Upshaw, and Honorary Chair Gabriela B. Ibarra turned the Grand Ballroom into a jet-setting paradise where guests “traveled” to global destinations while sipping Bacardi and Southern Glazer’s finest. Guests dined on filet mignon and sipped top-shelf cocktails. The energy in the gorgeous ballroom was off the charts.


Veteran journalist Laurie Jennings kicked things off with charm, handing the mic to the event’s powerhouse leadership team to thank the sponsors and partners who made it all possible. Then came ACS Southeast Florida Executive Director Joan Gonzalez, who presented the inaugural Hope Awards to  Remedios Diaz-Oliver and Lilliam Machado for over 30 years of fundraising brilliance.

The live auction, hosted by a spirited Megan McRoberts, had guests vying for everything from all-inclusive cruises to once-in-a-lifetime experiences like a ride on the Goodyear Blimp or VIP suites for the Usher concert.

But the heart of the evening came when Casey Liening, a cancer thriver battling metastatic breast cancer, took the stage. Her story moved the room to tears and action, as hundreds raised their paddles during the Mission Moment to fund ACS’s life-changing work.

As if the night couldn’t soar higher, ACS Executive VP Kimberly Jackson honored NBA legend Alonzo Mourning with the 2024 ACS Courage Award, recognizing his battle with prostate cancer and advocacy for health awareness. His words left the room inspired.

And then—cue the confetti cannons. The final total raised was revealed, a whopping $750,626, sending guests into celebration mode as the dance floor ignited. Partygoers danced until the early hours of the morning.

It was an unforgettable evening of elegance, impact and undeniable hope. For more information contact or to make a donation visit miami.acsgala.org.

Art, Elegance and Impact: PAMM’s Art of the Party

Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On November - 12 - 2024
Jorge M. Pérez, Kenneth C. Griffin & Franklin Sirmans

Miami’s well-heeled art set converged under one roof on Saturday, November 9, as Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) hosted its 11th annual Art of the Party gala on its stunning waterfront terrace. Honored at the soirée was Kenneth C. Griffin, billionaire philanthropist, founder of Citadel, and now, PAMM’s latest arts angel. The big news of the night: Griffin dropped a casual $10 million gift to enhance PAMM’s collection and fortify its role as Miami’s artistic crown jewel. Cue the applause.

Throughout the magical evening Miami’s finest artists, patrons, and tastemakers sipped, savored and celebrated all things PAMM. Among the highlights? The reveal of the newly minted Kenneth C. Griffin Gallery, PAMM’s largest and most central space, now forever tied to a man whose generosity knows no bounds.

But let’s not forget the other star of the evening: Colombian artist Delcy Morelos, recipient of the prestigious Pérez Prize and its hefty $50,000 award, thanks to Jorge and Darlene Pérez. Known for her deeply rooted explorations of humanity and nature, Morelos proves that minimal aesthetics can still pack a powerful, earthy punch.

As PAMM Director Franklin Sirmans put it, the night was a celebration of art, community, and transformative giving. “We’re thrilled to honor Delcy Morelos, whose work unearths the profound connections between people and the planet. And we’re deeply grateful to Ken Griffin—his philanthropic vision continues to inspire and uplift.”

Ken Griffin, for his part, kept it gracious. “Pérez Art Museum Miami is a world-class arts and cultural hub that enriches our great city,” he said. “I’m proud to support this outstanding institution alongside the Miami community.”

Nikki Kidd brought the soul, with her fabulous performance and Constellation Culinary Group delivered an artful menu. The after-party was a remix to remember, with artist José Parlá spinning vibes on the North Terrace Platform. (Pro tip: his exhibition Homecoming opens at PAMM on November 14. You heard it here first.)

As if all this weren’t enough, the event raised a staggering $1.7 million for PAMM’s arts education programs. This isn’t just philanthropy; it’s legacy-building. And for Griffin—already a benefactor to MoMA, the Art Institute of Chicago, and more—it’s just another masterpiece in his ongoing support for the arts.


Photos by World Red Eye

Miami Unites for Children at Amigos Night

Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On November - 8 - 2024

On Saturday, November 2, Amigos For Kids turned up the Miami magic with their blockbuster annual fundraiser, Amigos Night, at The Hangar in Regatta Harbor. The soirée exceeded its fundraising goals, drawing Miami’s glitterati, including celebs, media darlings, politicos, and power players, all rallying behind a critical cause: preventing child abuse and neglect.

Karina Pavone, Amigos For Kids’ President and CEO, summed up the night’s vibe perfectly: “We are overwhelmed by the support shown at Amigos Night. Thanks to our generous community, we can continue empowering families and strengthening our communities through transformative programs.”

The evening was a feast of Miami’s culinary A-listers who served up mouthwatering bites alongside an open bar stocked with Bacardi’s finest concoctions. Add a black carpet packed with star power—Gabriel Coronel, Gloria Ordaz, and Pamela Silva, to name a few—and you’ve got a recipe for a night to remember.

The Clique had the crowd on their feet all night, capped off by a buzzing Hora Loca. Meanwhile, “Domino Park” brought a touch of Miami’s soul, with enthusiasts battling it out for bragging rights.

But Amigos Night was more than a party with a purpose. As Maggie Fresen Zulueta, Chair of Amigos For Kids’ Board, put it: “This event is a testament to our community’s dedication to making a difference.” And make a difference they did. The night raised crucial funds to sustain programs that provide after-school enrichment and family support services.

Big props to the MVPs of the evening—presenting sponsor Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, and heavy hitters like Bacardi, Academica, and Prestige Clinical Research. Shoutouts also go to Greenberg Traurig, Ford, Goya, and Ryder for stepping up in a big way.

To learn more and to make a donation, visit:  amigosforkids.org and check out  @AmigosForKids on social media.

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An Evening of Glamour and Giving: It’s All About the Kids Gala

Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On October - 2 - 2024

Friends of St. Jude (FOSJ) Miami is rolling out the red carpet for its highly anticipated 16th Annual It’s All About the Kids gala on Saturday, October 5, at JW Marriott Marquis. This year’s event promises an unforgettable evening of celebration, philanthropy, glamour and fun.

Expect a night filled with excitement: a gourmet dinner prepared by top chefs, a live performance by Gente de Zona and the chance to participate in silent and live auctions, where you can bid on exclusive items and experiences, all while supporting a great cause.

The gala is a crucial event aimed at raising awareness and funding for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The mission of St. Jude is clear: to treat and defeat childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Every ticket purchased and every dollar raised contributes to groundbreaking research and exceptional care for sick children with the goal of eliminating childhood cancer.

By attending the gala, you will be actively participating in the fight against pediatric cancer. Each contribution, whether through ticket purchases, auctions, or donations, goes directly to supporting the lifesaving work at St. Jude. 

The Friends of St. Jude invites you for a night that blends joy with purpose: to ensure that no child has to fight cancer alone. Dress to impress, and prepare for a night filled with hope, community, and the spirit of giving.

For more information and to purchase tickets or make a donation visit:

https://www.stjude.org/get-involved/find-an-event/dinners-and-galas/its-all-about-the-kids-miami.html

About St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Its purpose is clear: Finding cures. Saving children.® It is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. When St. Jude opened in 1962, childhood cancer was largely considered incurable. Since then, St. Jude has helped push the overall survival rate from 20% to more than 80%, and it won’t stop until no child dies from cancer. St. Jude shares the breakthroughs it makes to help doctors and researchers at local hospitals and cancer centers around the world improve the quality of treatment and care for even more children. Because of generous donors, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food, so they can focus on helping their child live. Visit St. Jude Inspire to discover powerful St. Jude stories of hope, strength, love and kindness. Support the St. Jude mission by donating at stjude.org, liking St. Jude on Facebook, following St. Jude on X, Instagram,LinkedIn and TikTok, and subscribing to its YouTube channel.

Miami Swim Week Kickoff Benefits LLF

Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On May - 28 - 2024

On Wednesday, May 29th, 2024, Miami Swim Week will host its opening show benefiting the Little Lighthouse Foundation featuring Ema Savahl Design at the SLS South Beach Hotel from 7:00PM –10:00 pm.

Guests will enjoy 3 hours of complimentary cocktails featuring products from Tito’s Vodka, Barcelo Rum, Penelope Bourbon, El Mayor Tequila, Voga Italia Prosecco, Tita Italian Wine & Delicatessen, and Mastri Birrai Umbri as well as Kōpū Water. 

A minimum $75 donation is required to attend in advance, a minimum $125 donation is required at the door. Limited VIP seating is available for those who make a minimum $195 donation. Please make your donation at TheLittleLighthouse.org.

Official after party at Hyde Beach at 10:00PM after the show. 

All proceeds from this event will go towards LLF’s Back to School Program! To learn more about LLF’s Back to School Program please visit TheLittleLighthouse.org.

Sponsors